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Jenkinson ready for Arsenal battle

Carl Jenkinson joined Arsenal in the summer © PA Photos

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Carl Jenkinson has warned team-mate Bacary Sagna he will not give up his place in the Arsenal team without a fight.

Arsene Wenger signed the 19-year-old from League One side Charlton in the summer, but the defender has been thrown in at the deep end after being forced to cover for the injured Sagna.

Jenkinson admits he has plenty of work to do if he is to challenge Sagna for a place in the starting XI, but he is determined to make the most of his chance to impress Wenger.

It has been a steep learning curve for the defender - his Premier League debut was a baptism of fire against Liverpool, and he was sent off in Arsenal's 8-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford a week later. But Wenger has been repaid for the faith he has shown in the 19-year-old, who produced a solid display in a 3-0 win over West Brom at Emirates Stadium.

"Obviously I'm still young but I do think I am capable of playing," Jenkinson told Arsenal Player. "I've got the ability and I have it in me to be playing now - it's just up to me to play well, take my chances and make sure I keep that place.

"It's very nice for [Wenger] to believe in me and put me in the team in the first place. Obviously over the years he's put faith in youngsters but when it's you, you're that bit more grateful.

"There's a lot more improvement for me to do and I know I have a lot more in me to show it. But I know I have to improve if I want to be a regular at this football club. It's nice that he thinks that [I am improving] but I know I have a lot more to do to get where I want to be."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.